ABOUT

A biennial event of dialogue and engagement in humanitarian initiatives within the region.

The Humanitarian Forum brings together eminent local and international speakers to share their insights and experience on various humanitarian topics.

The Humanitarian Fair provides a platform for CHARIS’ affiliates and partners to showcase their humanitarian projects and volunteer opportunities.

MESSAGE AND THEME

We pledge to create an IMPACT that will defend and protect the dignity of persons for we are called to be salt of the earth, light of the world.

Today we cannot be satisfied simply with being aware of the problems faced by many of our brothers and sisters. We need to “de-naturalize” extreme poverty and to see it as a reality. Because poverty has a face! It has the face of a child; it has the face of a family; it has the face of people, young and old. (Pope Francis)

We are “called to bring new 'flavour' to the world… amidst the shadows of indifference and selfishness - diffuse the light of God's love, true wisdom which gives meaning to the life and activities of mankind” (Pope Benedict XVI).

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Br. Karl M. Gaspar, CSsR

Encountering the Asian Face of PovertyRedemptorist brother, born in Davao City Philippines.

A former political detainee, social worker, poet, academic and the author of several award-winning books, Br. Karl has a diversified background in sociology, anthropology, history and economics. He will delve into the areas of community strengthening, elevating human development through education, raising our voices for advocacy and the importance of coming together to synergise efforts for maximum impact to those who depend on us. Be inspired to go forth and serve

SPEAKERS

Christopher James

Welcoming all into the AgapeFounder, The Fishing Rod and Former Executive Vice President, MTV Asia

Chris used to be a corporate leader but his life turned around after attending CHARIS’ last HFF forum in 2015. He will share how that encounter changed his life and how he found his mission to help refugees in Malaysia.

Clare Westwood

In Search of SolidarityResearcher, Third World Network

“We have no food to eat!" – These words by an Indonesian farmer made a profound impact on Clare who then devoted herself to supporting the empowerment of poor farming communities across Asia in asserting their food sovereignty. Her work has helped communities resist threats to their rights; transition from chemical farming to ecological agriculture; improve livelihoods and well-being; and build resilience to climate change.

JOSHUA DE SOUZA

Lessons From the PoorVolunteer, Barre & Researcher, National Neuroscience Institute

Despite benefitting from a world-class education, Joshua felt that his greatest learning has come from the poor children and youth he encountered through his work with Barre, a group that supports the education of ethnic minority children in Vietnam. He will share how they have changed his life even as he endeavoured to shape their young lives.

REV. FR. SIMON PEREIRA, CSsR

Love is to be SharedRedemptorist Priest & Evangelistic Speaker

Fr Simon has always advocated for youths to experience God by living out their Social Mission. A fervent and passionate force inspiring young people to do mission work overseas, he will share his observations and inspirations from leading numerous groups over the years on these mission trips, an untold area of his ministry work.

BREAKOUT TRACKS

Track 1

BUILDING COMMUNITIES FROM WITHIN AND WITHOUT For Who: For those who want to create sustainable projects and partnerships in communities.Moderator:

This track guides external leaders on cultivating leaders from within marginalised communities, so that they can in turn support their own communities. Hear how this is done from Gelenito J.R. who grew up in the dumpsite community of Payatas, Philippines.

Track 2

BRIDGING THE GAP THROUGH EDUCATIONFor who: For those who want to make an impact in the education of impoverished children.Moderator: